DIY Modern Antique Frame

I've become very fond of white and antique frames lately. I was able to purchase a few at our local Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately I wasn't able to afford anymore. As luck would have it, after patrolling Pinterest for a few hours I realized I could make my own!

If you'd like to find out how to make your own Modern Antique Frame just keep scrolling, scrolling... scrolling.

 What you will need:

• Thrift Store Frames (These beauties were found for just 25 and 50 cents each.)
• Paint Primer
• Paint colors of your choosing
• White Spray Paint
• Sponge Brushes
• Coarse Sand Paper

50 Cent Frame

 25 Cent Frame

 

Step 1:

Remove all glass and any parts that may come off. Then clean off any debris and apply a light coat of primer over the entire frame. (Yes that is a cow print drop cloth...don't judge.)

 

Step 2:

After the primer has dried paint the frames with a thick coat of paint in your choice of color. Allow to dry over night.

 

Step 3:

Once frames are dried, coat with white spray paint until the entire frame is white again. Allow frames to dry over night and paint to harden completely.

 

Step 4:

Once the paint has dried and hardened completely use very coarse sand paper to sand off the top layer of paint where you choose. You can sand as much as you like. No two frames will be the same.

 

Step 5:

It's all finished! Add some hangers to your frame put in a lovely picture and you're all set to decorate.

Or if you're feeling really adventurous go ahead and use some string and miniature clothes pins on bigger frames to give it a more homemade look. Enjoy!

The Way I See It

My dad always tells me that I'll never know the moment that's going to change my whole life until much later.

At any moment the things I work for may not be what I'll end up doing for the rest of my life. I might change my mind and decide that my life is too short to just do one thing. 

I'm just going to do my best to go with the flow, and so should you. Because any moment now the smallest thing could completely change it all.

Just look at the clouds. The reason they are so beautiful is because they're constantly changing.

Something I'm Falling For

Taking pictures has become somewhat of a cathartic release for me. Whenever I have enough energy to look for light I'm never disappointed. Slowly learning where I can, and taking pictures of whatever is available is what is keeping me sane.

Strangely enough, one of my favorite things to photograph is my oldest camera. It just sits there and waits patiently for me.

If you have any suggestions to help me get better I will taking them willingly!

A Camera for a Lifetime

I saved a camera today.

Backstory:

My Grandma passed away recently. While preparing for her funeral my family was set upon the task of getting photos together for the wake. While we were searching I found some stunning black and white photos that my dad had taken while in Vietnam during the war. I asked if I could keep them, because I was convinced that these photos told a bigger story than what they deserved sitting in a box for the rest of their lives. Ever since then I've been very curious as to how these pictures came to be.

Today:

Upon walking into the living room my dad informs me that he's throwing away his old camera. Thinking it was just one of the old ones from when I was little I didn't understand why I was being notified. That was until he said it was his camera from Vietnam. My response then was a little different.

THE camera? THE camera that took THE photos?

After clearing up any miscommunication that this was in fact THE camera he told me to go save it from the back of his truck. The same truck that was headed to the dump.

It only needed some cleaning having survived, remarkably, one war, several moves, and nearly two decades in open air barn.

The brand of this Japanese made camera is Yashica. This darling was purchased in Vietnam and came with a plethora of goodies.

Along with what you see here the case still contains it's original Japanese/English instructions, view finder, tripod, and much more.

Here is THE camera with THE photos. These are photos my dad took of his time in Vietnam. He even makes a small cameo in the bottom picture with his stunningly hipster glasses.

Seeing what good shape it was in after all this time I decided to keep it.

That wasn't enough...

The only things missing from this glorious find are batteries and film. Knowing full well our local Walmart still carries 35mm film I was sure I could put this baby back into working order. Until we opened the battery compartment. Apparently 40 year old Japanese cameras use 40 year old Japanese batteries...who knew?

My dad made quick work of it and within minutes had found and purchased adapters and spare batteries for a measly amount off of Ebay.

I hope to have many adventures with this beauty in the new future. Keep your eyes peeled for its photos on the blog.

Tybee Island

If there is one place I will drop everything and go to it is 100% Tybee Island, GA.

Tybee is a small island off of the coast of Savannah, Georgia. It's where Crawdads go to die and people go to swim. Known mostly for the filming of The Last Song and loved for it's family friendly beaches. In my opinion it is the best vacation spot in the South. 

I love this place so much.

So if you're looking for a new place to explore this year, this one should be on your list. You won't regret it.

Miscommunication is Key

I used to never subscribe to the thought that everything happens for a reason. I just thought we made the good that came out of every situation. I've always thought this way until recently...

Here's a little back story:

I recently switched from iPhone to Blackberry. In the process I've hit a wall with Apple sending all text messages to me through iMessage and therefor not sending me text messages at all.

Miscommunication is key:

Last Saturday I had planned to go to lunch with a couple of friends that I had not seen in months. Unbeknownst to me there was a group text message sent out, a week prior to the event, cancelling our meeting. Did I receive said cancellation? No (gashdarn you Apple!!!)
It just so happens, I didn't find out our outing was cancelled until I was half way to our meet up. I was really bummed and refused to let Apple ruin my day. So, I sent a text to another friend in the area that said I was free, and this is what happened instead...

We went to an air show.

I had my very first helicopter ride.

View from above.

We went hiking around an island in the middle of a man made lake.

Did a little caving,

and saw some intense wildlife...like this turkey vulture.

We ended up going to an air show nearby where I had my very first helicopter ride and made a new friend, got lunch at a really good barbecue place, ate by the water, and had a few epic run ins with wild life.

It was pretty much one of the best days of my life. I'm glad that everything does happen for a reason.

Unexplained Pictures on My Phone

Do you ever go through the pictures on your phone and think, "I have no idea where that picture came from..."

I do that all the time. Here are a few examples. I won't explain them. I'll let you decide what's happening.

The pictures are far better without an explanation. Do you have any pictures that are better that way?

DIY Window Picture Frame

Have you ever strolled through a flea market or yard sale, saw an old window and thought "I can do something with that!" I do that too! One day I got the nerve to buy one of those windows and this is what I did.

If you want to see how I turned an old window into a really epic picture frame just keep scrolling...scrolling, scrolling.

What you will need:

• 1 old "unloved" window
• Wet rag (To clean off window)
• 1 Wax pencil
• Puff paint like this in any colors you want (Found at almost all Walmart and Craft Stores)
• Pictures you want to show off
•  *Optional* If you choose to paint the frame of your window you will need paint for this step. My window stayed as it's original color.

Step 1:

Clean your new found and unloved window. Make sure to remove any dirt from the frame and glass panes. If there are any pieces of metal sticking out of the frame (like on mine), it's a good idea to remove any sharp pieces.

Step 2:

Use your wax pencil to map out a design of your choosing on the glass. (On my window I used a regular pencil to map out the design on the frame.)

*Quick Tip* Draw your design on the front side of the glass. That way you can just trace over the wax pencil with the puff paint on the back side. Once you are done painting just wipe off the wax pencil on the unpainted side. This also keeps the smooth surface on the front of the window.

Step 3:

Once your Puff Paint has dried, clean up all excess wax pencil markings or regular pencil markings using your wet rag. Use this time to touch up any mistakes you might have made.

 Step 4:

Add all of your pictures. TADA! A one of a kind way to show off all of your favorite memories.

I hope you enjoyed making your own Window Picture Frame. If you have any pictures of your project, I would love to see them!

If you would like to check out any of my other DIY projects you can find them here, here, and here.

I Liked It, So I Put a Pin on It

This is probably the laziest post I have ever written, but how are you supposed to find out who I am if I don't show you?

These are some of my absolute favorite things I have found on Pinterest. I think they sum me up pretty well.

Two of my favorite boys from the band Mumford & Sons.

I would pay very good money to find this dress and add it to my wardrobe. VERY GOOD MONEY.

This is what tea does. Tea loves you.

Via

From my favorite book of all time The Book Thief. For me this was the most heartbreaking line in the whole book.

Via

Via

Just because I couldn't let you live the rest of your life without seeing this puglet.

I hope you enjoyed my best/favorite pins. What are some of yours?

I don't own any of these photos. When the source was available I linked it back, and others have the source written directly on the photo.....I'm just saying legally I don't claim any of them.